By Jennideep Hayre
The 2010 Diversity Fashion Show was finally here! Words cannot describe the amount of stress that everyone was feeling moments before the Fashion Show started.
All those Thursday afternoons rehearsing for this day will be over in a single moment. The pressure was mounting…
Two of Staffordshire University's own 2nd year Events Management Students, Emma Fox and Kay Murphy, organised the commendable Fashion Show. All the money raised has been donated to charities Cancer Research and Follow Your Dreams.
The catwalks showcased popular retailers like Republic, Miss Selfridge, New Look, Peacocks and Burton.
Designs by Stafford College which were showcased at the Clothes Show Live in December 2009 and Student Designs (Pretty Lush Clothing, Hi T-shirts, Stoke T-shirts, Gossypium, Jean Huni) were also present on the catwalk.
The latest spring styles varied from chilled out tops teamed with trendy jeggings to 80s style and pastel collections.
Dance Academy kick started the show with their energetic routine to Lady Gaga and the evening of entertainment continued with performances by Staffs Dance Society and Kirendip Kaur showing their creative sides.
Then it was time for me to go on: “Cultural. Line up!” To be honest it was all a blur to me; I stepped out to a blast of smoke and didn’t have a clue what exactly I was looking at. You get so nervous you don’t whether to look straight or stare at the floor.
I walked down constantly thinking is my sari going to open or will I trip over…being in four inch heels did not help. Yet I was happy to be representing my Indian culture as were the Africans with theirs which followed after ours.
This is what diversity is about. Representing people from all walks of life regardless of the colour of their skin or the size of their body.
This was no typical catwalk, never has been and never will be. It’s about having fun which is why it’s a good thing nobody takes it seriously. Even some of the audience members got a chance to strut their stuff on the catwalk.
Student Style like Metal, Indie and Hip-Hop showed students’ unique personalities. Raunchy Burlesque got the most support with the cheering crowd and whistles.
Emma Fox, one of the organisers, said: “The people involved had a great time and it gave them the chance to showcase their talents as well as their individual style.”
The show ended with a live performance from last year’s Staffs Got Talent winner SuperKid with all models and organisers back on stage to congratulate everyone.
The night was a huge success and as usual next year will be just as great so once again don’t miss it.